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Confusion and Confession

“But when he came to himself, he said, … “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” Luke 15:17-18

It is not hard to notice that there is a whole lot of sinning going on in our world. If you have lived long enough, you know there has always been a whole lot of sinning going on. What seems to be truer than it was before, at least by my observation, is that there is more confusion nowadays about what is sinful and what isn’t.

That is especially true in the areas of sexual morality and moral integrity. For many today, gone are the stigmas of extra-marital sexual behavior between both opposite and same sex couples. It also seems that one’s word is not as dependable as it used to be. Vows and promises are too easily broken and truth seems to be an option of convenience, not a moral imperative.

Society seems to be confused. On one hand, our conscience, common sense and Christ tell us right from wrong. On the other hand, louder voices intimidate us into thinking we may be too judgmental or out of step with society if we call sin what it clearly is.

The Prodigal Son of Luke 15 discovered that the antidote for confusion about sin is confession. He “came to himself” when he realized he must confess to his father the truth that his actions were sinful. The confusion and chaos of his life cleared up from that moment on.

Are you confused or ambivalent about some behavior in your life? The human heart is deceptive and capable of telling any lie to keep us captive to sin. Since Jesus says that the truth sets us free, the first step in clearing up your confusion is to tell the truth to yourself and to God about your sin. The truth is that God hates it so much He offered up the life of His Son to pay its penalty. So agree with God that it is serious. Do not wallow in confusion and compromise.

Then from true and humble confession will arise a renewed mind, a purer heart, and forgiveness that will allow you to live in more freedom and joy than ever before. Without confession, there is only confusion. But with confession there is much grace—in Christ.